Gunmen attacked the quiet Umulogho Community in the Obowo Local Government Area of Imo on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a police officer and the burning of a section of a police station.
The incident occurred near NEPA Junction on the Owerri-Umuahia Road.
The assailants are believed to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
They reportedly arrived in a Sienna bus around 8 p.m. on Tuesday night.
The attackers spent over an hour profiling residents until they identified and killed the police officer.
“After recognizing him as a police operative, they tortured him with a machete and left him to die,” a community source told journalists on the condition of anonymity.
The source further reported that the gunmen returned in the early hours of Wednesday to set fire to part of the Divisional Police Station in the area without facing any resistance.
Another source indicated that it took several hours for military personnel to respond to the distress call from residents.
“The Imo police command and the state government need to enhance their fight against insecurity in the state, especially in rural areas.
“It is baffling that there are three different police formations within one police division—namely the Area Command, Isiweke Police Station, and Obowo Police Division—yet the assailants faced no opposition.
“It is even more concerning that the police could not respond because they claimed they did not have an operational vehicle.
“This is disheartening and signals danger for residents, highlighting the lack of security in the area,” the source added.
Another resident urged the State Government to establish and equip vigilance groups in every community to assist the police in combating violent crimes.
The police public relations officer in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident to journalists.
Mr. Okoye stated that the command had deployed a special unit to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.
“We received the report and have sent our tactical unit to track down the perpetrators.
“As I speak to you, I am with the Commissioner of Police, and along with other service chiefs, we intend to visit the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
“We aim to instill a sense of confidence in both our officers and the residents, enabling them to continue their duties and businesses without fear,” Mr. Okoye said.
